Half Dose Evenity

@aspirecreative: I am following your post with interest due to begin Evenity of on 6/1/25. I’m anxious about this treatment too!

@aspirecreative Yes. My doctor wanted me to start with a half dose of Evenity as I have a vestibular disorder that can make me lose my balance. He wanted to make sure I could tolerate it. I didn't agree with his decision, but he was adamant. I called and messaged the infusion center many times and made sure that they knew and were willing to administer a half dose. I requested that my doctor speak with them as well, which he did. On the day I was to receive my first infusion, the nurse came in and asked me to verify that my name, DOB and drug were correct. The dose was incorrect - they had prepared a full dose. I sent it back, and all hell broke loose. The pharmacy insisted that a half dose was not FDA approved. Ultimately, four hours later it was cleared and I received a half dose. However that half dose I missed couldn't be administered later on, and that's significant. Evenity is a newer drug, and there are established protocols set in place so that the data is reliable. I would suggest you speak with Amgen, the manufacturer of Evenity. Their patient services department is excellent and you can ask them about dosing and whatever else you'd like to know.
I finished my Evenity treatment September 2023. I tolerated it well and had zero side effects whatsoever. My DEXA and TBS scores improved significantly.
Best wishes to you!

Did you continue with a half dose for the year? I'm curious because so few people are reporting ZERO side effects with Evenity. I'd love to hear from more folks that have had good results with no side effects.

I'm due to start on 6-25, very concerned about it!!

@tangodancer I had a half dose the first month only, and then a full dose for eleven months. I don't know of any studies on the efficacy of Evenity at a lower dose, but there have been studies regarding the timing of peak effects. If someone experiences intolerable side effects, they stop the treatment rather than lower the dose. Only the full dose of Evenity is FDA approved, and the data is based on the full dose. It's worth noting that Evenity is not a one and done treatment for osteoporosis. It needs to be followed by another drug to lock in your gains. It's imperative that patients discuss the long-term plan with their doctor prior to starting medication.
In general, people are going to report the negative rather than the positive. It's good to be well-informed, but it's not healthy to be fearful so I always report the positive experiences I've had. For the record, I've done Fosamax, Evenity, Tymlos and Reclast. Best wishes to you!

@aspirecreative & @kedi25: I am scared & anxious of Evenity Osteoporosis shot. I just hate to start a procedure that will be a lifetime treatment from one to the next. There are NO guarantees in this life! I just finished 6mo cancer treatment though - so I guess I can do this!
This is my plan of action on 6/1/25! First read every word on Evenity Instructions in box. Lay out the 2 vials 30 min prior to get to room temp. Also, In my research peers have recommended:
(1) drinking lots of water for 2 days prior as well as day of shot.
(2) An Hour before shot take one 500 Tylenol PLUS either caffeine drink (coffee, etc.) or eat a few green olives & plan to drink water all day. This is supposed to dialate blood vessels & prevent bad headache side-effect!
(3) shot: stomach insertion in soft tissue about 2 inches from belly button. Pinch up some skin and insert needle 45 or 90 degree angle. Insert slowly.
(4) shot only in soft tissue- not muscle.
(5) Take another 500 Tylenol 4 hrs after shot.
(6) Some said to take shot near bedtime to avoid side effects while sleeping.
I think this covers it. If you have more info expedite it to me please! Wish me good luck & I will do the same! :-).

@dbamos1945 As far as I know, Evenity should always be administered by a medical professional. Your vital signs and response are carefully monitored, particularly after your first dose. Who advised you to self-administer?

Hi, @dbamos1945 I’m reaching out with a little encouragement. My ninth round of Evenity will be tomorrow afternoon. So far, I’ve felt completely fine during and after. Allowing the medicine to come up to room temp and injecting very, very slowly really mitigates any discomfort with the injection itself. After the first pair of shots, I’ve done nothing special to prepare and have been just fine.

I will say that my calcium levels dropped a bit early on, and my endo had me increase the level of calcium supplement I’m taking. Something to be aware of and monitor for.

Good for you for self injecting. My local doc offered to facilitate dispensing of evenity from the pharmacy direct to me, and I declined. It wasn’t going to make much of a difference with my insurance, so I stayed with the convenience of an infusion center.

I started Evenity on 5/23 with a full dose. I had two sore arms for a day but no other side effects. I feel completely normal today. It's early days, though, but I hope this will continue.

Note: I had issues with both Tymlos and Forteo hence the switch to Evenity.

@newenglandtransplant,@oopsiedaisy, et al: Thank you so much for the info and encouragement regarding Evenity injection! Having peers like you really helps me face life’s Ups & Downs. I am grateful for you. Best…